Are there special rules that apply to religious employers and organizations?

Yes, there are special rules that apply to religious employers and organizations in California regarding employment discrimination law. Generally, religious employers and organizations are exempted from certain labor laws and regulations, such as the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The exemption allows employers to make job decisions and personnel decisions on the basis of religion. This includes decisions regarding hiring, firing or promotion, working hours and pay requirements. The exemption does not apply to other forms of discrimination, such as gender, race, and age. The exemption also allows religious organizations to create separate categories of employees, known as "ministerial employees," which are subject to different standards from other employees. Ministerial employees include religious leaders, such as priests, rabbis, and pastors. The religious exemption does not protect employers from discrimination suits related to sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, the law does not prevent employees from filing discrimination suits on other grounds, such as age or national origin. It is important to remember that all employers must comply with state and federal laws. California employers should ensure that they are aware of all applicable laws and regulations, and adhere to them in order to avoid any legal action related to employment discrimination.

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